Rebecca's Diary of Appalachian Life in 1918

To Read Rebecca's Diary scroll down to the bottom to September 4th 1918 to begin with the first page of her diary. She began her diary when she was 8 years old.
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Saturday, January 18, 2014

These past months seemed crammed so full of school, events, family and
Andrew. We are getting to know each other and falling in love. I am sorry that I have neglected
you Dear Diary.

Andrew is building a huge home on my special place where beautiful wildflowers decorate the mountain sides with their hues of the rainbow; and they grow so thick one cannot see the ground. This is where I went to be alone and think-- lying on my blanket hidden from the world---my own peaceful paradise.

My brothers told Andrew about it so as a surprise he bought it all 2000
acres of paradise, and now a huge three-storied house and three barns will be built in the middle of paradise. Andrew is planning for a big family because besides the Master suite that
takes up most of the spacious second floor, there are eight bedrooms to fill on the third floor.

Everything inside will be modern with six full bathrooms and a large balcony
outside the master suite where one will be able to drink their morning coffee
and look at all the wildflowers, and wild life that roams about the woods.

Andrew's 1928 Cadillac

I cannot believe how much I love Andrew, as I count the minutes he is
away from me. Ma and Pa love him too as they invited him to dinner and supper almost
every day. However, he also takes us out on picnics, all four of us enjoy many
Saturdays riding in his 1928 Cadillac to visit different beautiful sites.
Andrew is now like a son to them it seems and my brothers love him too.

I really do not know how my sister Margaret feels about him, since she
has not said at any of our family gatherings. And, frankly it is not important
enough for me to ponder on it. I believe she is happy with her life with Johnny
(John) and their two children.

The most wonderful surprise on Christmas morning, Andrew knocked on our
door at 6:00 a.m. and Ma and Pa were up with breakfast ready for our Christmas
morning together. I walked into the living room and seeing Andrew tall, blond
with blue eyes shining took my breath away. And, I could not move or speak as
he walked toward me and then stopped and bent down on one knee. He took my hand
as he looked into my eyes and ask me to marry him, and when I could speak I
said loudly, “Yes, Yes, Yes!”

Pa and Ma laughed and clapped as Andrew put the engagement ring on my
finger---then he took my face in his hands---and gave me the sweetest kiss ever
given on this earth. It was the largest diamond ring ever, but I would be
satisfied with a cigar band if it meant I would marry Andrew.

Andrew gave us such a beautiful surprise and we were all having such a
great time---we forgot to open our Christmas gifts until late in the afternoon.

Together we planned a June wedding because school would be out and our new home
would be finished. Margaret will be the new teacher in the fall since Andrew
and I want to start our family and I no longer need to work. Although, I will
miss all my children and I will visit often and take special supplies to them and
to make sure Margaret has everything to give the children the best
education possible.

Dear Diary I will always need you and I will write in your forever, but
now until after my wedding---because I will be very busy. Thanks Dear Diary for
being my best friend and listening to me without judging me.

Becca

The End.

Thanks you for reading Rebecca’s Diary as she shared her life’s moments,
good and not so good. We know about her heartaches, new friendship and falling
in love. She grew up writing in her diary from the age of 8 to 19---and now the
best part of her life is yet to come.

Thursday, November 21, 2013

This morning as I walked to my second day of school this new
term; I listened to the birds chirping and singing in the Gap and Hollows
below. I heard the squirrels in their quarreling voices high in the mountain
trees. I saw a deer feeding by a stream below my high mountain trail---only
nature’s beauty could take my breath away this early fall morning with its
leaves of many hues laid before me and cushioned my path.

In places where the leaves did not fall I felt the sharp
rocks through my shoes as I walked slowly on the side of Wild Rose Mountain.
And, I knew I should never take this high trail; but the scenery was so
beautiful. My Pa and brothers would throw a country fit if they knew I walked
this trail once in a blue moon.

When I arrived at schoolhouse a big box stood in front of
the double doors on the porch. I did not order anything for school as I did
that during the summer. But I thought perhaps my sweet brothers sent the
children something, and I smiled as I walked up the steps to the box.

The note said: Dear Rebecca, I sent these supplies for the
art glass I heard you wanted to teach and I hope this will be a start for the
children, signed, Andrew.

Only my brothers knew about my plans of teaching art to the children,
as I wanted them well- rounded in their knowledge of all that any civilization
offered in this world. I never wanted them to feel out-of- place anywhere they
might travel on this earth, or worse of all feel uneducated.

I heard the sound of leaves being walked on; then suddenly I
saw who made the noise. My brother Matthew smiled as he walked up the steps of
the schoolhouse and stopped when he saw the huge box.

He hugged me with one arm and started opening the box for me
with the other hand. How in the world I thought did he know.

“Matthew, did you know about this wonderful gift Andrew gave
the children?”

“Becca, I did not know about this generous gift, but I came
to talk to you about Sam. Sam sent word through his solicitor that he would be
in Europe for many months and he really does not know when he will return. He
sent word to you that he cares for you deeply, but his family needs him now.
And, Becca I don’t think you should wait for him; if you are developing
feelings for Andrew.”

I looked at my brother through tears and said, “Matthew, I
will always love Sam as a friend, and yes---at one time I thought it was
becoming more, but now I know it was only a great friendship. I worry about Sam
as he always lets his heart guide him---I hope his family knows how lucky they
are to have such a caring person as Sam. What did you tell his solicitor?”

“I told him to inform Sam that we will take care of his farm
and that I hired a family. We placed them in the quest house. And, that no one will
go into his house without Mark or me there. I told him not to worry about you,
that I will tell you to go forward with your life and not to wait for him to
return. I told him to communicate more often as we waited for his instructions
on his farm.”

I rang the school bell as the children played and talked in
the school yard. Matthew stored all the art supplies in the big closet he and
my brother Mark built for me. If nothing else wonderful ever happened in my
life---I am so blessed for Matthew and Mark as my brothers.

I hugged Matthew bye and started my school day with all the
excited school children so happy for another year of learning about the world
and themselves. I feel blessed with these children who want to learn and they
are so well-behaved---it is almost a miracle.

The day flew by and I began walking home once again on my
secret way home high on Wild Rose Mountain, because I felt the need for solitude
to think about so many things crowding my tired schoolteacher brain. I suppose my
attention did not focus on the trail and what stood in front of me until I hit
it. And, as I started to fall; strong arms wrapped around me and pulled me
close.

I looked up into the most beautiful blue eyes which at the moment looked
concerned as they caressed my face in slow motion. And, then suddenly set free
from the strong grip of closeness but not let go completely. My eyes never left
Andrews face; as we stared at each other in the silence.

My pet crow broke the quietness of the fall afternoon and
then Andrew offered me his arm as we continued our walk home. However, I forgot
to ask him why he appeared on Wild Rose Mountain---I thought no one knew I
loved this trail. However, I did remember to thank him for the art supplies.

Dear Diary, I feel drained and we will talk more later.

My mixed pleasures of the day with sadness about Sam-- sprinkled
across my mind and I am sure I will dream about it all. Especially---concerned
blue eyes that caressed my face. Good night Dear Diary, my favorite journal..

Saturday, October 26, 2013

I told Ma and Pa about Andrew coming by to take me to Mark
and Matthew’s dinner party, so they could discuss business. Pa looked up from
fixing an old clock for a neighbor and smiled and said: “Your Ma and I are
going on a date tonight to the Fall Festival in Hawkins Creek. The festival
will be there for a week if interested. We cannot wait to meet Andrew---Mark told us about what a gentlemen he is and they are anxious to do business
with him.”

At five there was a knock on the door and since Pa and Ma
had left for their date---I answered the door. There stood Andrew dressed in a
blue suit which made his eyes shine bluer and his blond hair glowed with
sunshine and he held a big bouquet of wildflowers. We both stood for an
eternity just staring until my pet crow landed on the porch and broke the
spell. Why we both act this way is such a mystery to me. Maybe Mark or Matthew
will know what is going on as I cannot recall ever being this rude.

I invited Andrew in and explained about Pa and Ma not being
here as I put the flowers in a vase. Andrew stood by my side and I could smell
the cologne he wore. I had an overwhelming urge to smell his neck which
proves I am surely going insane. I turned towards him and said I was ready to
leave now as I smiled up at him to find him staring at me again.

Finally, we started on our journey in a one horse buggy
which was very comfortable. The black horse’s coat shined from the last light---that
filtered through the trees---in the early evening just as the sun slowly slipped
behind the mountains, we arrived at Matthew’s home. Andrew lifted me down
slowly as he seemed to enjoy holding me. And, I did not mind his strong hands around my waist as they sent warmth through my body.

Mark and Matthew were by our sides in minutes bringing
their wives to introduce to Andrew. I ran to hug and kiss my sweet nephews and
nieces and picked up the new baby girl of Matthews and Elizabeth ‘Liz’.

My brothers both wanted six children each as
they both said: “If we can afford them---then I want six children to take care
of me in my old age.” And, then my brother laughed because he will always be
the one taking care of someone else.

He just loves children and his beautiful
wife loves him so much---I watched as she listened to every word he uttered while she
watched his sweet expressions. They as well as my brother Mark and his wife
Kathryn ‘Katie’ are deeply in love.

Their love is like Ma and Pa’s love---very deep and
forever---that is what I want for myself. I hope one day I will find it, so I will
be a mother of four children---this is what I want.

At dinner my brothers watched Andrew as he watched me and they
smiled and talked. It was one happy dinner and everyone noticed when Andrew
pulled my chair out and made sure I had everything on my plate that I wanted.
He acted like we were old friends instead of just meeting today.

After dinner Mark, Matthew and Andrew went into the library
to smoke a cigar and talk. This is the time I love the most because I rocked all
the babies and helped put them to bed; this is the best part of having dinner at
my brothers’ home---the babies. My sister-in-laws are such sweet women who have
become very popular with the community. If anyone needed help with raising money
for any event they always go to Liz and Katie.

And, I am not sure if they just
wanted two beautiful women to bring in the crowd or if they just enjoy being
around them like my family.

Today was the first of school however; it felt like a week
had passed in lieu of one day? Too soon it was time to go home, and after our
good-byes we started home. It seemed Andrew did not rush as we talked about
everything along the way. He asked me if I wanted children since I had a
school-house full of them. And, I told him yes I wanted four children to love
and watch them grow in this community where everyone knows you and are
always there for a neighbor in need.

I told him our Gap needed more stores, a playhouse for plays to
encourage the acting talents of our children, a museum filled with all the
treasures found in our area and from around the world to share with other
countries. We needed a huge park for families to enjoy taking their children
for a day of fun outdoors. With picnic tables, nature trails for all to learn
more about the woods and mountains surrounding us. There are so many
possibilities for this growing community.

Finally we reached home and Andrew did not move from his
seat---he asked if I would go with him to the Fall Festival in Hawkins Creek
Saturday. And, I said yes. Andrew kissed my hand and left me dazed at the front
door.

Although I knew my brothers would be visiting school tomorrow giving
their sister their approval or disapproval with a big brotherly hug. My
brothers are the absolute joy of my life and they make me feel safe and loved.

Well, Dear Diary tomorrow is only the second day of school
and I am praying for a slow calm one.

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Today would be embedded as a jewel of a first day forever in
my memory; with all my children returning for another year of school. I stood
on the top step watching as they walked down their mountain trails, meeting and
hugging friends; sharing their summer events and laughing and jumping for joy
because they were together once again.

This year everyone’s syrup pail was full of their lunch and
a snack. I saw they all had shoes on their feet and their faces and clothes
were clean. And, I can thank my brothers and my Pa for being responsible for
this great gift to my children. Tears filled my eyes as I continued to watch
the children walk nearer to the school yard.

I noticed an elderly woman bringing a little girl by the
hand to school. The woman arthritic hand was holding the child’s gently and
they finally stood at the bottom step looking up at me.

Finally, I was able to speak after the shock of their torn
and grimy clothes worn over equally dirty bodies. I asked them to please come
in because I would ring the bell in thirty (30) minutes. The children on the
school ground were too busy to notice the surprise of the day.

The woman’s name was Helen Woodward and the little girl was
her granddaughter, they moved to the Gap two days before and they had very
little she said: “We stayed in an old house that no one wants, and we do not
have any money for Holly’s school clothes or for food. I came looking to stay
with my sister, but she died years ago; I just found out.” Mrs. Woodward dried
her eyes on a dirty ragged sleeve which smeared the dirt worse on her wrinkled
face.

This morning got the prize for being the biggest first day
of school shocker---my brothers Matthew and Mark just walked in to check on
their sister---thank God and green apples they did. I took Holly and Miss Helen
(as she asked me to call her) ---to my desk and gave them my lunch.

While they ate I told Matthew and Mark her story. It seems
Holly’s mother went missing years ago and no one knew who Holly’s father was
and if he even knew he was a father. Well, this was right up my sweet brothers'
big hearts, and they said do not worry my darling sister we will take care of
everything.

They took both Miss Helen and Holly and I smiled at being
bless with such great men as brothers in my life. What goes around comes back
to love you as I always hear them tell me over and again.

I rang the bell for the first day of school to begin and I received
inundations of love from each child as they walked into the little school-house
with greetings and hugs. Then I began to call the roll and to my great joy
everyone was present.

Just before lunch as everyone was doing their writing
assignments---a loud knock cause me to drop my chalk and it broke into pieces.
One of the children picked it up for me. And when I looked up a very handsome
blond-haired man was looking down at me; it seemed that time stood still as we
both just looked and did not move; until the children started giggling.

I then smiled and offered my hand and told him my name; and
waited for him to reply---as his light blue eyes seems glued to my face.
Suddenly, he spoke: “I am sorry for being so rude, but I was expecting a much
older teacher since everyone told me of the different grades you were teaching
and how the end of the year grades excelled the ones in the larger cities.”

“I am Andrew MacThomas, the new lawyer in the Gap, your
brothers someone told me would be here this morning and I wanted to meet them.
Are they young also?”

I evidently was hanging on his every word as one of my
children said: “Teacher is it lunch time?”

I could feel my face getting warm as I walked to the top
step and rang the lunch time bell; then stood to watch the children as they
went to the picnic tables for lunch.

I thought as I turned to enter the room; what else could
happen today. Then happily I found out. It seemed Andrew as he told me to call
him was here to begin a new business and hope to add stores for the Gap, such
as grocery stores, clothing and shoe stores, but he had to meet with my
brothers first. Matthew and Mark owned most of the land in the Gap so one would
need to talk with them about any new venture.

Andrew took my hand and said he would like to see me later
for tea and he would bring it to the school-house for an after school treat. I
just shook my head and smiled up at him and he seemed paralyzed, because he was
not moving. Then he looked deeply in my eyes and turned and walked down the school
steps into the mountain woods.

I rang the bell for the children to return to their seats and
the afternoon flew by until the clock said it was time to ring my---school is
out bell. And then I was alone with the lessons to prepare for tomorrow; and to
straighten the classroom and put the first lesson of the morning on the board
for the five year old children to review their vowels.

When I finished I turned around and there stood my two
brothers and Andrew with big smiles on their face. Needless to say Andrew and I
did not have tea; because of an invitation to Mark’s house for dinner.

I’ve been too busy to write much during the summer because it’s canning time of all the crops grown on my Pa’s land and my
brothers. Pa and Ma always plant huge crops of everything that will grow to
harvest in the mountains. Pa plants a huge garden every year for all the
mountain people who do not have husbands to care for them and their children.

Ma and I
spent the summer picking, cleaning and canning until my fingers and minds grew
numb. And, I cleaned house and cooked while Ma goes to her ladies quilting club
at the school-house during the summer months. It is my pleasure to do anything
for my Ma and Pa, and I know how much she loves being with the ladies as their
fingers fly with their long needle and coarse thread---sewing through the layers that makes a quilts, as they laugh and talk.

Then, Ma
returns home smiling and teasing as she jokes with Pa; acting probably like
when they were first married---I am just thinking this since I was not here to
witness it. Their love grows each day, and this is the kind of love I want, but
it keeps escaping me.

Sam left for Europe in June on business, and I received two letters from him
and then nothing for six weeks now. It seems men keep slipping through my
fingers, like water through a sieve.

My sister
Margaret visited with baby Johnny; he is my heart’s delight and he loves me
too. We bonded from the beginning. And Margaret wants another child with John
(my once love Johnny) and yes I am trying’ but sometimes it still hurts like an
unhealed wound. I am trying to rise above it all and think of my next nine
months with my sweet children returning to school.

Tomorrow morning
is the first day of school and everyone seems excited; especially me, as I have
my dress picked out that Ma made during the summer, and we went shopping in
Bonner Gap---0a huge town at the bottom of our mountains. Pa gave us money for all
new clothes, shoes and anything we wanted.

I mainly
spent for my school children who needed it most. To be given as a prize
otherwise, their parents would not accept it---mountain people and their pride.
One needs savvy ways and thinking to out maneuver these mountain people. I know
I am one of them and proud of my ancestors.

Pa said a
new lawyer would be setting up an office in our Gap this coming week. I am sure
I will meet them and their children when they settle in.

Well, I will
say Good Night my sweet Diary, because tomorrow will be a busy day.

Friday, August 30, 2013

This has been such a busy end of the year with all the
different levels of exams I had to prepare and give to each grade. I was so
tired at night I just fell into bed. One day seem to melt into another as I
went from school home, and then from home to school. And, finally the last day
of school arrived on April 27th. All the children were so tired, but
happy as they hurried out the doors and down the steps to a long vacation.

Ma would not let me help her cook for the reunion because
she said most of the food was being prepared by others and she was only taking
pies and cakes. Ma loves the word only---she uses it when she wants others to
not question her about what she is doing.

I will spend next week at school grading all the exams and
fixing the schoolhouse up so the ladies can have a larger place for quilting.
Quilts from Ma and Pa’s ancestors are cherished in our home. Therefore, Ma
wants to make as many quilts for all her children and grandchildren to keep the
tradition going while she is living. It gives her a purpose since all her
babies are grown.

Well, I suppose I must finally get to the reunion and what
happened while I was there with Sam. Sam came to pick me up and I was wearing
the new white lace dress Ma made for me because Pa loves white and blue dresses
on Ma and me and thinks we should never wear any other color. That is how my
sweet lovable Pa thinks---and when he saw me at the reunion he kissed me on the
forehead and then shook Sam’s hand.

I have to be honest about my feeling for my sister Margaret,
I still feel bruised that she ran away when I was eight years old. My little
eight year old heart ached for years after she left us. I know she left the
entire family behind, but I still feel that she left me. And, when I let myself
think about it; I know I could never do this to Margaret. In all the years she
was gone she never let my parents know that she was alive and doing well. As
far as Johnny goes I do not blame anyone because he is a man and he made his
choice. Besides we were only children and I suppose I cared more than he did,
evidentially.

When Sam and I arrived there were about 35 people there, and
some were strangers to me. Johnny and Margaret were at their front gate
welcoming everyone and showing their baby to all the relatives. I really wished
at that moment I was invisible. Before I could think, Mark and Matthew took me
by the hand to be greeted by Margaret and Johnny. Sam was behind us and when I
looked around at Sam he was smiling at me; and it gave me a calmness I needed
for this day.

Margaret
came forward with the baby and put him in my arms and then hugged me. The baby’s
named after his father, so now big Johnny would be called John and the baby
Johnny. He felt so warm and sweet in my arms, I did not have eyes for anyone or
anything else. I cooed to him and kissed his little hands as his big blue eyes
watched me in wonder. Little Johnny felt so good in my arms I did not want to
let him go. However, it was Matthew and Marks turn to hold him and when he was
taken away from me he let out the biggest cry, which got everyone’s attention.
Little Johnny was handed back to me; and, he stopped crying and started cooing
again. Everyone laughed in amazement.

Sam was by
my side cooing at the baby and, I heard Mark whispered to Sam: “So you like
babies.”Sam smiled and answered: “I
hope to have some one day when the time is right.” Mark whispered back: “Don’t
wait too long.”

Margaret
came to stand with Sam and me and when little Johnny went to sleep she took him
into the house. Margaret came back and invited Sam and I next weekend to a
picnic with her and John and the rest of my family. Sam accepted for both of us
and I smiled at him.

John came
over and shook Sam’s hand and then took mine and told me in front of Sam that
he always wanted a sister and he hoped one day I would consider him as my third
brother. And, that I could count on him when Matthew and Mark were not around.
When he finished I took my hands back and thanked him. I could feel Sam’s eyes
on me as John talked to me and see his glances towards John as he talked.

I wished I
could say all is forgiven towards Margaret, but I hope it will be in time. I
noticed Pa and Ma standing under the Cedar Tree with others facing towards us
as we stood with Margaret and then John. Neither has Pa or Ma spoken to me
about my feelings towards Margaret and what she did to our family.

Dear Diary
it has been a long and sweet day because I met my nephew Johnny, but it will
take more time before my heart forgives Margaret and John. And, I saw my other
precious nieces and nephews—Mark and Matthews children and their beautiful
mothers. I believe we had a beautiful siblings bonding.

Saturday, August 24, 2013

After school I went through the woods to another area, which
always had the most beautiful wildflowers in every color one can envision. My
brothers did not like me to go alone; however I thought this would be a good
time to think and have a talk with me. It is good to have a little me time in
such a paradise, so I spread out my little blanket amongst the beauty of
blossoms, and sat down to think.

It was so peaceful and serene I went to sleep. I cannot
believe it, but when I woke up the sun was going down and it was getting colder
by the minute. I heard Truce barking and my brothers calling me and, as quickly
as I could I grabbed my blanket and ran to greet them.

I suppose I was looking down and not up as I ran towards the
sounds of my brothers voices because I collided with Johnny. He grabbed me to
keep me from falling. I had to tell him I was fine that he could let me stand
alone, but he did not seem to hear and he pulled me closer. I was trying to push
away from him when two big hands lifted me away from Johnny.

It was Sam with Mark and Matthew behind him. Sam glared at
Johnny without saying a word, and turned me around to face him. Mark asked if I
was fine and what happened and if I came here alone.

I explained to everyone what happened and that I fell asleep
and when I woke I heard Truce barking and my brothers calling my name. Then, I
started running towards my brothers and ran right into Johnny. I looked around
and thanked Johnny for catching me and then I looked at Sam, Mark and Matthew
and stated I was ready to go home.

Matthew said: “Well I guess you are Missy, and how many time
have I begged you not to come here alone. There are bears, and other deadly
creatures that would love to eat a sleeping beauty.”

While I was half-way listening to Matthew I saw Sam and
Johnny talking and it did not appear friendly. Mark walked over and said something
to them both; then it was total silence, then Johnny turned towards his
mountain to go home.

Paradise Mountains

When we arrived home Pa greeted me with words that makes me
feel like he was annoyed with me, he said: Daughter, it is nice of you to come
home early today as we had some good news to share. He wrapped his big arms
around me and pulled Ma in the mix and hugged us to pieces. And, not letting us
go until we got his big kiss on our foreheads.

Mark said: “Matthew and I went by the schoolhouse to see you,
but you were not there so we came by Ma and Pa’s and stayed long enough to eat
blueberry pie and drink coffee.”

As the story goes they decided to take Truce back to the
schoolhouse and let him trail me. They met Sam on the way here so he joined
them in my rescue.

The big news Pa wanted to share was there will be a family reunion at Mark’s
house next week with all the family together so they can meet Margaret, Johnny
and the baby. I could have lived without that news today.

Sam took me on the porch and said he would be there with me
at the family reunion unless I had rather he not be there. I told him of course
I want you to be there with me. Then, I got his beautiful smile and a kiss on
the cheek good night.

I watched him as he walked away and I wondered why he
did not know I loved him. I believe he feels there are still feeling between
Johnny and me, which is not true on my part.

And, that is how I
was found in my paradise without doing any thinking Dear Diary and now I am
tired and will go to sleep.

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I am happy to share one of my stories with you, as I love to write, and I hope you enjoyed reading it. My passion is writing about the past, as well as the present and future. However, I do enjoy the past stories about my ancestors, and grandparents, and I can only add to the past by writing fiction, of how I view it in my mind.